Expert: Roger Lederer - 10/2/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Roger,

I was out today at lunchtime looking to take some foliage photos, when I happened across a pair of water birds that I couldn't positively id (I don't happen to have my field guides with me today).  I tried looking it up online, but I couldn't find anything conclusive.  My best guess was an immature cormorant or merganser.

Can you tell me for sure?  Attached is a photo, taken today in Berlin Vermont at a local river.

Many thanks!

Sincerely,

Bill Schwartz

ANSWER: It is either an immature or female Red-breasted Merganser.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: One last question -

since I saw two of them together, same coloration, would that indicate whether they were females or immature males?

Thanks again, Roger!

Answer
It could be either. The immatures will hang out together for a while in the fall as will the females. When courtship begins in late fall, pairs (male and female) will form. Must be nice foliage there this time of year, yes? I've got a trip planned to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland next fall and look forward to the colors.